Vaccine for children to prevent pneumonia, from October 1; Vaccine is free

Vaccination for children to prevent pneumonia will start in the state from October 1. As part of the central plan, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine will be given in 3 doses to children under one year of age. The vaccine will now be given to children at all immunization centers. This is to prevent pneumococcal bacteria from causing severe pneumonia.

Distribution is free. In addition, other vaccines may be given at this age. With this, Kerala will be a part of the vaccination distribution in 5 states from 2017 as part of the Central Government scheme. Health Minister Veena George will inaugurate the event in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday. The first vaccination is given to one and a half month old babies. Vaccination is available at all government hospitals that vaccinate children, such as PHCs, CHCs and taluk hospitals.

The next dose should be taken between the ages of three and a half and nine months. Vaccination is aimed at preventing pneumonia, as Covid third wave is more likely to affect children. The bacteria can also cause infections of the blood, ears and sinuses, and meningitis. It is estimated that 7 out of every 1,000 children in the country die of pneumonia.

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